The radio plays touching songs of finding true love – interspersed with heartwrenching songs of being left behind and mistreated. There’s not a lot of comfort or encouragement for the many people going day to day in ordinary intimate relationships; doing the dishes and going to work, finding a way to stay in touch and care for the kids, pay the bills and keep the roof from leaking.

We seem to believe that once a relationship is established, it will take care of itself (“if it’s meant to be”). Most of us spend more time shopping, doing home maintenance, or following investments than we do on maintaining and improving our relationship with our partner in life.

Yes, intimate relationships take work! Time and attention spent on improving your relationship with your beloved will pay ample dividends in life satisfaction, reduced stress, and better health.

The self-help books listed in this section on Intimate Relationships are helpful guides to dealing with common relationship problems and challenges, and making good relationships even better.

See also Communication; Sexuality; Women’s Sexual Health; Men’s Sexual Health

Positive Sexuality Resources is a list of recommended readings on many facets of sexuality and human sexual behavior, with an emphasis on sexuality as a positive force in life.